Ukraine War Update NEWS: Military Aid News
Table of Contents 📖
"It can't just be we're going to spend everything on ammunition and nothing on anything else so there is this sweet spot that you've got to kind of go for between spending on the country and spending on the military"
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:11⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to part two of his Ukraine War Update for the 12th of June 2024. Today's update will focus on military aid.
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Crimea Strikes Update
🎦 00:11-01:32⏩
Jonathan provides an update regarding the strikes in Crimea, expanding on information from part one of his update. The Ukrainian General Staff has confirmed that a group missile attack was carried out on several enemy anti-aircraft missile divisions near Belbek and Sevastopol. Jonathan highlights the significance of targeting and damaging the radars on these systems.
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Germany Transfers Patriot System & Missiles to Ukraine
🎦 01:32-02:38⏩
Jonathan reports that Germany will transfer a third Patriot battery system to Ukraine, following President Zelensky's visit to the country and meeting with the German Minister of Defence. Approximately 90 Ukrainian soldiers are currently in their fifth week of training on the system.
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Germany Announces Military Aid Package
🎦 02:38-03:03⏩
Jonathan reports that the German Minister of Defence has announced that Germany will be sending 100 Patriot missiles, strike drones and precision rifles to Ukraine. He believes the rifles may be part of a contract announced two weeks ago.
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IAAD Funding for Patriot Missiles & Systems
🎦 03:03-04:17⏩
Germany has confirmed it will finance the procurement of Patriot missiles in conjunction with Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, enabling 100 Patriot missiles to be donated to Ukraine. 32 have already been delivered, with more scheduled for delivery in the coming weeks. Jonathan notes that the IAAD initiative (which includes Estonia, Spain and Norway) enables the procurement and delivery of different components from different countries.
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Netherlands to Supply Components for 5th Patriot Battery
🎦 04:17-06:10⏩
Jonathan reports that the Netherlands has pledged to provide Ukraine with crucial components for a fifth Patriot battery, including the AN-MPQ-53 or 65 radar and three launchers. This comes after a meeting between the Dutch Defence Minister and Ukraine's Strategic Industries Minister. Jonathan notes that this modular approach, with different countries supplying components for a whole system, reduces the impact on any one country's air defence capabilities.
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Netherlands to Send Drones & F-16s to Ukraine
🎦 06:10-07:47⏩
The Netherlands has allocated 60 million Euros to procure various types of drone, including FBV drones, marine drones (with some production to take place in Ukraine), and drones from Dutch industry. They have also said they will be sending the first F-16s to Ukraine this summer (possibly as early as July).
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Argentina to Send 5 Super Etendard Jets to Ukraine
🎦 07:47-08:57⏩
Argentina is set to give Ukraine five Dassault Super Etendard combat aircraft, with the new anti-Russian president approving the deal. Jonathan notes these are older aircraft (Falklands era) but have never been used. Negotiations are underway to overcome UK restrictions on their use. A potential swap deal with France is being considered, with France handling upgrades to the aircraft. Jonathan suggests these aircraft will likely be used further back from the frontlines in safer areas, to target drones and missiles.
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Norway & Italy Announce Military & Financial Aid
🎦 08:57-10:50⏩
Jonathan reports that Norway will give 240 million Euros to Ukraine for air defence, including 125 million Euros towards the IAAD initiative. Italy is also giving Ukraine a SAMP/T air defence system and a $150 million aid package for infrastructure projects.
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Estonia to Send Mistral Short-Range Air Defence Systems
🎦 10:50-11:26⏩
Estonia will provide Ukraine with Mistral short-range air defence systems and missiles. The exact number has not been disclosed, but Jonathan says these will be useful, with an effective firing range of up to 8km.
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Rheinmetall Signs Agreement for Lynx IFV Production in Ukraine
🎦 11:26-13:07⏩
Rheinmetall has officially signed an agreement with Ukraine to start production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) in Ukraine. Jonathan notes that this has been a long time coming, but it seems that they are on track for these to be built in Ukraine this year. However, financing for a significant number of vehicles has not yet been finalised with the German government. Jonathan believes this is a positive development for Ukraine, as it reduces their reliance on other countries. He explains there are limitations to providing large numbers of vehicles like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle to Ukraine in a single delivery, as they need to be able to accommodate the increase in personnel, training, and logistics.
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Alternative to Starlink for Use in Crimea
🎦 13:07-14:50⏩
Jonathan discusses the limitations of Starlink in Crimea due to geofencing, which restricts its use by Ukrainian forces. However, he notes that Ukraine has developed (or repurposed) an alternative system for use in Crimea that will shortly provide similar capabilities.
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EU Financial Aid for Ukraine
🎦 14:50-17:28⏩
The European Commission has confirmed an agreement to provide 1.5 billion Euros in private investments to Ukraine under the Ukraine Peace Facility. Jonathan expresses doubts about how quickly this money will be available, suggesting that it will be over a longer period, with considerable oversight. The EBRD is also providing 1 billion Euros to assist with Ukraine's energy infrastructure repairs. Finally, the EIB will provide Ukraine with 100 million Euros for social infrastructure restoration. Whilst acknowledging the importance of military aid, Jonathan highlights that it is also important to support the Ukrainian people and social infrastructure, rather than solely focusing on military spending. He argues that a balanced approach is needed.
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Hungary Agrees Not to Block NATO Support for Ukraine
🎦 19:53-21:11⏩
Jonathan uses a humorous football analogy to describe Hungary's stance within NATO, suggesting that whilst geographically part of the group, they are not fully onboard with NATO's support for Ukraine, and describes their behaviour as "slightly fascistic". However, Hungary has now agreed not to block any NATO decisions related to Ukraine, in exchange for not being forced to increase its own support for Ukraine.
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Wrap up
🎦 21:11-21:17⏩
Jonathan thanks viewers for watching and signs off.
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